Fantasy

The Last Battle

Book cover: The Last Battle
Author(s): 
C.S. Lewis
Illustrator(s): 
Pauline Baynes

This final book really presents a grand finale as the signs of Narnia's own "end times" begin to appear and the good side makes its preparations for a last stand against all the corruption and evil around. Even as a child, I remember enjoying how the author wove in so many "historical" details from the past books. Salvation and the reality of what life is really about are just over the horizon.

The Horse and His Boy

Book cover: The Horse and His Boy
Author(s): 
C.S. Lewis
Illustrator(s): 
Pauline Baynes

The Horse and His Boy takes place in a neighboring country, but in the same "world" as Narnia, and during the later parts of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. A runaway slave, Shasta, and a runaway princess, Aravis, team up with two talking horses to escape from their own land of Calormen into the free land of Narnia. The story is rich in its portrayal of other cultures in this "other world" with an interesting focus on the interaction between the two children. Here is a small sample:

The Princess and the Goblin

Book cover: The Princess and the Goblin
Author(s): 
George MacDonald

The Princess and the Goblin is a classic fantasy novel written in the late 1800s by George MacDonald. The story features all of the elements of a great fairy tale: a young princess, a brave hero on the verge of adulthood, subtle magic, and more goblins than can be counted. There is enough adventure to keep the story moving, but the plot is not overwhelming or difficult to follow. There is nothing to recommend a caution for: no rough language, no adult situations, and very little violence.

The Princess and Curdie

Book cover: The Princess and Curdie
Author(s): 
George MacDonald

The Princess and Curdie continues the fantasy saga begun in MacDonald's The Princess and the Goblin. This novel gets off to a slower start than the first one in the series, but it is just as attention-holding. Curdie, the young hero, is put to the test in this story, and must prove himself both brave and loyal, whilst remaining trustworthy and honest. In this story, Curdie is given the gifts of a magic of his own that can only be used for others and a faithful but unusual traveling companion.

Out of the Silent Planet

Book cover: Out of the Silent Planet
Author(s): 
C.S. Lewis
(Clive Staples Lewis)

The first story in the "Space Trilogy", Out of the Silent Planet begins with a man of such littleness that he is only known, for now, as the pedestrian. He is taking a summer holiday – trying to 'get lost' – from his philology professorship.

This is NOT a nail-biter yet.

Perelandra

Book cover: Perelandra
Author(s): 
C.S. Lewis
(Clive Staples Lewis)

Perelandra is Venus. Ransom gets sent to Venus on a mission. Of course it takes him some time to get settled with the new surroundings again.

That Hideous Strength

Book cover: That Hideous Strength
Author(s): 
C.S. Lewis
(Clive Staples Lewis)

Despite the fact that That Hideous Strength is the third book in the Space Trilogy none of it takes place in space. In fact it takes place in one of the most cozy, domestic settings you can think of. It is set in the small towns and College lounges of early 20th century England. The good guys live at St. Anne's – which is just a large home – and is named (here we go again with Lewis) after the Grandmother of our Lord. What could be more comforting?

Focus On The Family Radio Theater - The Chronicles of Narnia

Book cover: 'Focus On The Family Radio Theater - The Chronicles of Narnia'
Author(s): 
C.S. Lewis
Focus on the Family has produced an audio version of all of the Narnia books ( Available on CD or audio cassette). The stories are elegantly introduced by Douglas Grisham, stepson of C.S. Lewis. Mr. Grisham draws listeners into the story by recounting his personal experiences with C.S. Lewis ("or 'Jack' as he liked to be called"). Thus far, three books have been reproduced- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, The Magician's Nephew, and The Horse and His Boy.

Till We Have Faces

Book cover: Till We Have Faces
Author(s): 
C.S. Lewis

When I was in school I learned that great authors will put more in their stories than you read at first. C.S. Lewis is a not only a great storyteller but a great author. And I've only had a first reading of this story. But the very few extras that I have glimpsed are only a beginning to the layers and meanings and truths forged into this incredible tale.

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